You know you are in Arizona when…

I may complain and complain about how hot it is running in Arizona but somehow the sunrise and clouds each morning completely make up for my face sweating off during each run.

I pushed snooze 8 times this morning. Not an exaggeration. I knew I had an easy run on my schedule so I didn’t mind leaving a little later.

Best part of the run = talking to my mom on the phone (using these headphones) for the entire run. I mean it has been a whole 3 days since I last saw her so we had a lot to catch each other up on.

You know you are in Arizona when the gas stations offer 22 different flavors of frozen drinks.

My nephew had preschool this morning so we dropped him off and then I accompanied my SIL for something very important.

She had never been to Trader Joe’s in her whole life. I walked her up and down the aisles and showed her the most important things to buy. I actually think Trader Joe’s should hire me to show new people around the store and help them discover the best of the best.

Brooke is finally big enough to push around the little kid shopping carts.

Now that I don’t live near TJ’s it is a tradition of mine to get this chocolate milk every time I do get to go. It really is the best chocolate milk you will ever have.

Of course I would go to a different state and still eat at Cafe Rio while I am there.

Nicole (remember she was on the Vegas trip with me and I have been bffs with her since I was 16) actually lives right by my SIL.

It is all meant to be. Especially when she does things like bring us cupcakes to eat after lunch.

Does it get any cuter than boots on a baby and Brooke’s leopard ballet flats?

Sweet pork salads and quesadillas for all.

I have started having a quote of the day to focus on each day to help me continue to get through this time. I wanted to share today’s because bad days are just part of life and this may help a little bit….

I think Trader Joe’s tour guides is an awesome idea! I could totally be one! I know it inside and out ;) Those cupcakes look so good! And I loooove that quote. There is something good in every day. I had a terrible day yesterday, but I managed to find the good in it, anyway, and it really turned it all around. So important!!

The good in my Tuesday is that I only had to work a half-day (wooop!!) and since I’ve been home I’ve taken a nap, when on a short jog (florida and Arizona weather should be friends) and now I’m just waiting for the so you think you can dance finale to start!!

What’s good about today was that I got to take a 3-hour nap after class. I have only been sleeping like 5 or 6 hours per night over the weekend, so it was nice to catch up on my rest.
Hitting snooze 8 times is sometimes exactly what the body needs ;)

My morning post today was also about finding the good! (I watched a little boy tinkle on himself behind me in line at the post office, and I went…something’s gotta give here, c’mon now.) Of course, that was before I came here, and read this, and realized that another small part of good in my day has been reading this blog, as always. Seeing Brooke with her little cart! Loved it.

Today has been incredibly busy and I haven’t had a moment to think, but I think the “good” parts of today are the fact that I’m getting over a mild cold and that I’m going to sleep so well tonight because I. am. beat.

I agree completely about the good in every day…there is something good in EVERY single day, even if it is as small as a stranger smiling at you. Or it can be BIG and be getting a new job! Either way, it’s best to be positive and know that after it rains, there is a rainbow. :) And hey, the rain can be fun too!

Christine

Megan D

I love your shirt and the looks on both baby’s faces in the pic in front of Café Rio :)

Even though I have been to TJ. I am by no means and expert and will gladly sign up if you start giving tours.

I think that quote is so applicable for every one. I am so easily discouraged and if I think about those things that get me down it can really just ruin my whole day, but there is always good. You are so right – you are amazing and I love you!

My ‘goods’ are: I am sore today from my work out yesterday (good grief I can’t even move my arms above my head to put it in a pony…maybe I should actually do my hair..nah) and getting to have some one on one time with both my kids was really good today, then tonight I have girls night. Yay!

How have I never had that chocolate milk?! That is my favorite recovery drink (mostly because it is cheap :) ).
That is an insane slurpee machine!!!
We made an oreo dessert today…what is better!!!
Have a great night…keep your chin up!

I love that they are wearing super cool shoes and too cool for school expressions on their faces. Like “this camera thing again? Sheesh” Haha!

Every time you talk about talking on the phone with someone while you’re running, it blows my mind. I can barely carry on a conversation in person while running. Someone on the phone would think I was a pervert or dying and call the police or an ambulance!!!

I absolutely love quotes. That is a great one, thanks for sharing. I always say that whatever happens is meant to be- it may not seem like it at the time, you may think that nothing good came come of your situation and why the heck is this happening to me until one day (soon or way down the line from now) you look back at your situation and think- wow. im glad that happen. things really did workout the way they should have and now I am happy. Stick through it, Janae….there is a reason for all the madness in life sometimes.

Chanelle

The good in my day today was that the building manager at my work finished building me a standing desk that I asked for! Now I get to stand and work! I also downloaded an app where I can easily write down what I’m eating and what workouts I’m doing, to keep myself on track.

My good is that I got in a good workout while doing laundry and tonight I get to go to dinner with my best friend in the world.
Speaking of cupcakes, this awesome cupcake store from Logan is opening a store by Sheels and it will be open in February. When it’s open we are going because they are AMAZING!!!

Great quote! We actually had a more challenging day today because Addie was just in a funk! But the GOOD thing about today was that the sweet girl fell asleep on my chest and slept there for about 30 minutes … something she NEVER does anymore! :)

Best thing about my day was going for an amazingly difficult but scenic 30-mile bike ride with my husband after work. We bike straight up for 3.25 miles without a break, and I was sure my legs were going to spontaneously combust! We were rewarded with beautiful views at the top though!

Today has been not so good for me but this post kind of helped me change my attitude a bit so thank you. I got a good recovery run in and played with my dog for hours this afternoon, so I am just going to choose to focus on that :)

Also I am literally counting down the days until I get to go back to Utah: first stop – Cafe Rio! It has been months since I’ve had a sweet pork salad and I’m getting hungry right now just thinking about it.

Ooh that quote just made my day! My Tuesday actually has been a really good one. I got a stress fracture from running, and after tons of rest, my doctor said I may be able to start running as early as next Monday! I’ve been craving a long run for weeks, so I’m over the moon! I hope you have a marvelous week!

Ps I have never been to a Trader Joes before either. I know it’s shameful but we don’t have them yet in Canada so what’s a girl to do? Maybe you could do a post sometime on the best Trader Joes products to that when that fateful first visit happens one day I will be totally informed on what to get. :)

Ashley G

You’re in my ‘hood but I’m out of town! *SADFACE*
I live in Gilbert. Hit me up the next time you’re in town and you can come hang out with my running club! We are dynamite! (Arizona Track & Trail Runners)

You are so cute! I stayed in Cleveland this summer and there was a TJ’s there but none where I live in Orlando. So sad :-( I always loved watching the kids push around those shopping carts… That will be my kids someday!

Mia

Today was a rough one. Sometimes it’s so dang hard to remember/see the good points when it’s a hard day. And there was good news today (continued wonderful medical progress for a friend,) but it was still hard to focus on the good. Thank you for the reminder to focus on the positive. will try again tomorrow!

You are adorable. I love the quote and I love how positive you are managing to stay about everything!! I got in a car accident right around the same time all the tough stuff was happening in your life (I read your blog every morning!) and I don’t think I’m handling things even a tenth of as well you are. It’s really inspiring to read all the upbeat posts you make – you are seriously my hero right now!!

The good in my Tuesday was the Chocolate chip brownie filled Chips Ahoy that were waiting for me at home. Also, I got all caught up on Dexter…Just in time for the Series Finale in a few weeks! Eep! Also, my Dog is really cute, and it makes me happy to see his face… But that’s an every day thing! :)

Sarah G.

Add me to the list of people who have never been to a TJ’s (I know, I KNOW.) The closest one to me is like 15 miles away, but I really need to make a trip there.

The best thing about my day yesterday was I went home after work and did not move from my couch until I put myself to bed. I was feeling kind of sick and a real housewives marathon totally cured me. :)

Stephanie

Laura T

I love your quote idea! I thought I’d share one of my favorites. It’s a little poem by President Hinckley that was on the funeral program at his wife’s funeral.

“Put your trust in God”

It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is.
It all works out. Don’t worry.
I say that to myself every morning.
It will all work out.
Put your trust in God,
and move forward with faith
and confidence in the future.
The Lord will not forsake us.
He will not forsake us.
If we will put our trust in Him,
if we will pray to Him,
if we will live worthy of His blessings,
He will hear our prayers.

I just love this poem, especially the part where the Prophet admits to having to remind himself not to worry every morning.
You go girl! I think you’re awesome.